2022 is winding down and it’s been an eventful year for Afropop. There’s been a torrent of great new music, spawning a massive stack of inventive smash-hit songs. From Highlife-infused Ghanaian pop, to the unrelenting force that is Nigerian street-pop to South Africa’s indomitable Dance scene, to tantalising Drill explorations in East and Central Africa, and much, much more, we’re living through abundant and musically expansive times.

Every week, many songs from African artists make their way to digital streaming platforms, and wading through them can be intense. That’s where The NATIVE’s Songs of the Day column comes in to help. We go through as many new releases as possible, spotlighting them here, two to three times every week. Today, enjoy new music from Peruzzi, Jeune Lio, Harmonize,  and more. Lock in!

Teni – “Maitama” ft. Mayorkun, Costa Titch & Ch’occo

Last month, Teni made her welcome return to the scene since the release of her debut album ‘WONDALAND,’ with the Mayorkun, Ch’occo and Costa Titch-assisted single “Maitama.” The groovy record was buoyed by delectable Amapiano production laid down by producer, Jay Synths. Now to amplify the track further, Teni has released the song’s accompanying video which was directed by Darion and showcases the beauty of South Africa.

LUCIANNE- “TE AMO’ REMIX FT. PERUZZI & FIOKEE

After the success of the original “Te Amo“, British Nigerian singer, songwriter and actress Lucianne is not resting on her laurels. She has joined forces with Afrofusion star Peruzzi and Nigerian guitarist Fiokee to bring the track further to life with an infectious remix offering to close out her exceptional year. Written and composed by Lucianne, and produced by Majeek, the remix finds Peruzzi and Fiokee take the track to new heights. Peruzzi with his soulfully expressive and impassioned vocal delivery, groovy melodies, and glorious lyrical flair, while Fiokee brings his trademark lush guitar licks and arrangements to the party. Throughout the remix offering, Lucianne’s message of defiance, strength and not settling for less than she deserves still permeates as an anthem for women to boldly recognise their worth and fight for it.

ROTIMI & NEKTUNEZ – “MAKE YOU SAY”

For his latest offering, Rotimi teams up with Ghanaian producer Nektunez to create the infectious new single, “Make You Say.” The feel-good, upbeat, rhythmic track blends Rotimi’s smooth vocals over a mellow keys and twinkling production. The music video has been directed by TG Omori enabling Rotimi to connect with his Nigerian roots.

HARMONIZE – “MWENYEWE”

Talented singer Harmonize has shared a new single titled “Mwenyewe.” The compendium of the African drums and the percussion laced with delectable strings and chords compliment his sonorous vocals. Over the groovy beat, he sings about the essence of loving yourself, while detailing tale of winning and understanding the steps taken toward achieving personal happiness.

JEUNE LIO & MAGASCO – “LADY”

Cameroon-born, Abidjan-based DK Jeune Lio has teamed up with Magasco for a sizzling EP titled ‘Love In Transition.‘ Telling an emotive story of fading love while engulfed by lust, the three-track EP housed vocal collaborations from R&B songbird Iguocho and producer Veen. On “Lady,” the duo reminds listener about the uncertainty of admitting love to your crush. The intensity of the production and melodic composition displays the purity and compulsion of being in love with no care in the world.

HAZEL MAK – “SAKA SAKA”

The AFRIMA award-winning artist Hazel MaK teams up with Deep House DJ and Producer M.Patrick to bless us with an exciting new single “Saka Saka.” The single serves as an enlightening piece showcasing the beautiful beginning of the partnership between M.Patrick and Hazel Mac. “Saka Saka” sets the right tone for what’s to come from this Malawian queen come 2023.

Featured image credits/Harmonize